Joel Thomas Zimmerman, a.k.a. deadmau5 is one of those producers that needs no introduction.
He's one of the most respected EDM producers worldwide, having a huge and sometimes irritating fanbase.
I found out about deadmau5 last July. At the time I was listening to marshmello, Denis Elezi and other mainstream producers. My uncle recommended him to me, so I started digging. The first three songs heard from him were “Raise Your Weapon”, “Terrors in my Head” and, of course, “Strobe”. At first, I didn't like his stuff, but kept listening to it and, after a month, he became my favorite producer of all time, still keeping that spot today. Thus, during the last year, deadmau5 has played a huge role in my life.
While I know he released two albums before this one, they are not as memorable as this one, and are not fun to review.
So here is the review of the third deadmau5 album, Random Album Title.
First off, I will be reviewing the continuous mix version because I don't think this album is as enjoyable when you have standalone tracks.
Let's go track by track.
1: Sometimes Things Get, Whatever
Firstly, the title is so genius it irritates me. The song mostly consists of a simple, slightly atonal bassline, paired with a good house beat. Through most of the song you can hear robotic vocals saying “Sometimes things get complicated”. To me, what makes this track memorable is the beatless section with a dark bass melody, later on followed with a synth, making it super atmospheric. I remember someone told me that it sounds like a haunted ice cream truck. It also calms me down when I'm frustrated. The formula for this song was used a lot by deadmau5 later on, so I call it the Sometimes Things Get Whatever formula: dark and atonal intro, melody, dark, melody... So yeah, I like it, it's very dark, a good opener for the album. Also, I love that “Sometimes things get constipated” joke, very mature. 8/10
(the famous Windows Error prank, Earl's Court, 2010)
2: Complications
The transition from STGW to this is fantastic. I like this melody, it's odd and makes me a little dizzy. I think it could've been more detailed but it's good. Some parts of the song consist of a sample from a heart monitor. Nice touch. The bassline is a bit too simple for my taste, making the song a bit repetitive. I like the percussion. 7/10
3: Slip
The transition from the last song to this one is well-executed, considering this song is more melody-driven and is more upfront with its melody and chords, unlike Complications.
The song is named after the melody, having one note “slipping” from the others, making it interesting. And you know what, I like it. It's definitely not deadmau5's best, but it's pretty good. The beat is more simplistic than the first two songs, but that's not a problem, considering the good melody. The song is quite cheerful, and it sets the mood for the rest of the album. 8/10
4: Some Kind Of Blue
While this song is certainly not bad, it's my least favorite on the album. The melody is good, but still, I feel like the most of the track is empty. The beat is fine, but the bass is not memorable at all. The song is quite boring for me, I usually skip it when listening to the album. The transition into it is great, at least. Not a bad song, just not memorable. 5/10
5: Brazil (2nd Edit)
Here is a song that is very popular, one of deadmau5's anthems, if you will. If there was one song from this album that would perfectly describe it, this would be the one.
The melody is great, the beat is simplistic, but fun. The song is simply happy and puts a smile on my face every time I hear it. I love the synth settings and the little vibraphone is just so pleasant to listen to. The only problem I have with this song is that I always get the feeling it could've been better, although I don't know how.
Nonetheless, great song. 9/10
6: Alone With You
This is a song that doesn't get enough credit in my opinion. The melody is amazing and makes me feel like I'm missing someone I never met. It's very easy to get lost in, the beat is interesting, and the percussion sets the mood for this song, especially those crystal sounding things we get every 64 beats. The transition to the track is good. The vibraphone-sounding synths give this song some sort of a nostalgic feel. One of my favorite deadmau5 tracks ever, and one of my favorites from this album. 10/10
7: I Remember
This song is co-produced by Kaskade, another producer I like. It would be a shame not to mention Haley Gibby, the vocalist, that made this song just perfect. This is my favorite deadmau5 song of all time. The chords are interesting and beautiful, the beat is great, and OH GOD THAT TRANSITION... The best transition deadmau5 has ever made in my opinion. As I said, the vocals are great, the beat is simple, but intriguing. If this song didn't become a hit in 2008, there would be something wrong with this world. I love every part of this song and I don't think I'll get bored of it anytime soon. 10/10
8: Faxing Berlin
Although this song is separated into two parts (a piano intro and the rest of the song), I will review it as one song.
Here is another deadmau5 anthem! This song needs no introduction. It is the song that put deadmau5 in the game. Most people say that the original is better than the album version, the album version being 4 minutes shorter. Honestly, I don't agree. The whole song is just a slow progression with 3 chords and simple percussion. I prefer this version not only for being shorter than the original, but also because of that beautiful piano intro. This song is good, but nothing too memorable in my opinion. But it's definitely a song Random Album Title couldn't function without. 7.5/10
9: Not Exactly
This song is fine. I like the transition into it. The chord progression is quite familiar. I don't love this one, but it's good, and I don't skip it when I listen to the album. There is really nothing wrong with it, there is enough progression and it has interesting stuff all the way through, but it just isn't as memorable as Alone With You or a certain track coming after it. So yeah, good song, but nothing too special. 7/10
10: Arguru
Another deadmau5 anthem. I love this one. The chord progression is awesome and memorable. I love the intro and the transition between the happy piano-string section and the dark, EDM section. Very nice song, super atmospheric, always reminds me of huge festivals and stuff like that. There's just enough progression to keep it interesting the whole way through. But, the transition into the song is not that great. Still, I give it a 9/10.
(deadmau5 playing Arguru live at Earl's Court, 2010)
11: So There I Was
I think I am the only person in the world who loves this song. I think it is a great closing track for the album, having a great mix of hard bass (representing the first few songs) and a nice, light melody (representing the rest of the album). The transition form Arguru to this one is amazing. I absolutely love this melody, it's very atmospheric, and THAT BASS IS AMAZING. The percussion is also very groovy. The track always makes me feel good and is a great song to dance to. I feel like it never got credit it deserves. Great song. Great ending for the album. 9/10
This album put deadmau5 up with big names in the EDM industry. It is definitely one of EDM's most respected and beloved albums. Personally, this is my second favorite deadmau5 album.
I like every single melody on here. The album is well put together, but I wish that Joel put something that wasn't always in the simple 4-on-the-floor house beat. And like most of deadmau5's other albums, it doesn't feel like it was made to be an album, but more of a compilation, stuff he's been working on. I still think this is a great album, and I miss the days when deadmau5 wasn't as cocky and rude as he is today, although I love his attitude to things. So yeah, great album, but could've been better put together and it doesn't really display huge variety. 8/10
Favorite tracks: I Remember, Alone With You, Arguru, So There I Was, Brazil (2nd Edit)
Least favorite track: Some Kind of Blue
